Various institutions across the Mother City are feeling the negative effects the nationwide lockdown has had on the economy. The beloved Clarke’s Bookshop is one of many facing financial strain, and is appealing to customers to support its latest initiative to keep its doors open.
Clarke’s Bookshop is running an online art auction in collaboration with Aspire Art Auctions as a fundraising initiative. The auction will feature book-inspired artwork from local artists such as William Kentridge, Jane Alexander, Brett Murray, Penny Siopis and Conrad Botes.
The auction is already live on the Aspire Art Auctions website, and will end at 6pm on Monday, June 1. All proceeds will be divided between the bookshop and the participating artists.
The iconic bookstore on Long Street has been a Cape Town institution since 1957. It specialises in South African texts and carries new, second-hand and out of print books on southern Africa.
Unfortunately, the lockdown has caused the owners to incur debt to many of their suppliers.
“We won’t be able to move forward without this debt being repaid,” co-director Andrew Sales told Business Live. “Though we have had wonderful support from our regular local customers, we will not be able to rely on this alone, and we know that business will be tough for a long time.”
To participate in the auction, visit Aspire Art Auctions.